A Crystal Festive Season at Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai

This festive season, Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai speaks for crystal elegance and grace. Embellished by LALIQUE, the French crystal design legend, the Hotel’s festive decoration this year spreads the season’s spirit far and wide and makes a few jaws drop. Mesmerizing LALIQUE centrepieces and a full range of decorative motifs seamlessly merge into the Hotel’s ambience and décor.

Get ready for myriad activities prepared this season in edgy and inimitable style. Starting December, the Hotel will offer a variety of sumptuous delicacies for festive occasions on Christmas and New Year, in both buffet and set menu.

And the ingenious pastry team is at it again: after the pleasures of the Chocolate Chamber during Easter, they step up once again in bringing guests a Festive Afternoon Tea to remember. From fresh crepes to warm raisin scones and Parisian hot chocolate, there is nowhere better to pass those cold winter afternoons than in one’s favourite cozy corner of Camelia.

Celebrate this festive season at Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, Shanghai for beautiful memories with friends and family.

Reservation Hotlines:
Shàng-Xí：+86 21 2036 1310
Camelia： +86 21 2036 1300

Stacks to See and Do in the Summer School Holidays

There's something on offer to delight and entertain children of all ages in Canberra during the summer school holidays.

Stand up, dress up, make up, think up and step up in a fabulous space at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House that has turned the traditional idea of what goes on in museums completely on its head. The new children's exhibition space, Play Up pokes its tongue out at the idea that museums are hands off. Visitors become the curators and it is their work that will be on the walls and the media screens. Pop into Play Up's brand new graffiti room, plus don't miss the indoor and outdoor family action packs, zine making and dress ups. Free after admission fee. www.moadoph.gov.au

For animal lovers, a visit to the National Zoo and Aquarium is an absolute must.Be brave and take part in an animal encounter to get up close and personal with some of the world's most amazing creatures like cheetahs, sharks, sun bears, white lions and red pandas. The interactive Family Tour is designed with younger children in mind. Come face-to-face with creatures both great and small, feel the warm breath of a giraffe on your face, experience the rush of looking a big cat in the eye and challenge yourself to hold or touch a snake.www.nationalzoo.com.au

Take part in a fun-filled summer of activities at the National Portrait Gallery. Draw along to music in free Drawn In classes; make your own creature using clay in theExtraordinary Creatures workshop; and program and instruct Lego NXT robots to complete a special task with Robogals Canberra for a taste of engineering in a hands on and fun way. Listen to excerpts from the story The Little Prince and create your own visual response during Story Time; explore portraits through drawing and creative activity in the galleries at Portrait Play; and watch a family film with special screenings throughout January. Bookings essential.www.portrait.gov.au

No family trip to Canberra is complete without experiencing the excitement of Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre. Home to a range of interactive exhibitions like Awesome Earth, Wonderworks, Q Lab and Excite@Q, Questacon is a favourite with the young and the young-at-heart. Surprise your senses and challenge your mind in Perception Deception with more than 60 hands-on and multimedia exhibits featuring perception tests and illusions. Questacon will be a hive of activity this school holidays, with Spectacular Science Shows, Puppet Shows for preschool audiences, and a range of fantastic hands-on activities in Q Lab. Launch into the New Year with water-powered rockets, race a milk-carton boat and celebrate International Potato Day by making potato batteries, potato stamps, and more. www.questacon.edu.au

Visit the Australian War Memorial with your family and connect with the stories of people and events that have shaped our nation. Climb into a Vietnam War era helicopter, or explore a First World War trench or a Cold War submarine in the Memorial's Discovery Zone. During school holidays participate in hands-on-history, where kids can handle real objects and dress up in nurse or soldier uniforms. Hear extraordinary stories about ordinary Australians, or see moving performances portraying the experiences of women during wartime.Children can also make their own colour patch, bookmark, or poppy to take home as part of Drop in craft.www.awm.gov.au

The National Library of Australia will be buzzing during the summer school holidays. Drop in to read, write, illustrate and imagine as part of the Library's WordPlay program running through January. A range of fun activities are available in the pop up kids' space exploring the shape, meaning and use of language. There will be a number of story time events and free screenings of children's films like A Little Princess, Fairy Tale: A True Story and Arrietty in the Library's theatre.www.nla.gov.au

Be inspired by the National Museum of Australia's Spirited: Australia's Horse Storyexhibition, which reflects on the powerful bonds and enduring relationships between people and horses to trace how together they have helped build the Australian nation. The Spirited family trail Imagine My Horse Powered Life is a fun and informative way to explore the exhibition. The trail culminates in a dedicated family space, where you can dress up as a pony club rider or a stock worker, try out a side saddle, learn how to draw a horse, and measure your height in hands. Children under 16 receive free entry to the Spirited exhibition if accompanied by an adult. www.nma.gov.au

You can catch some world-class sport in Canberra over the summer with the nation's capital hosting seven matches of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 in January and three ICC Cricket World Cup matches in February and March, as well as the Prime Minister's X1 v England and the T20 Big Bash League final at Manuka Oval.

For more great school holiday ideas and places to stay in the capital, visitwww.visitcanberra.com.au.

Zeavola Resort in Thailand wins “World’s Best Sustainable Boutique Hotel” at World Boutique Hotels Ceremony in London‏

Zeavola Resort, located on Koh Phi Phi in Thailand has scooped the global prize for the World's Best Sustainable Boutique Hotel at the World Boutique Hotels Awards ceremony in London recently.

The exclusive black tie event was held at Montcalm Hotel, Marble Arch and represented resorts globally who have won country specific awards in various categories, to see if they won a wider regional or global award, a decision that was made at the gala ceremony.

APF Group Chairman Mr Mitsuji Konoshita (right) celebrates with Zeavola General Manager Mr Florian Hallermann at the ceremony in London after receiving the global award. For high res image please click here.

"It was Zeavola's night," said General Manager Florian Hallermann. "All the team have worked tremendously hard and I am very proud of them all. This is for them," he said.

"We operate on an island and we need to live sustainably, close to nature and to the environment. For us it is not an option to operate otherwise. But, it is important we work smartly and cherish our natural resources and at the same time deliver a five-star barefoot luxury experience to guests."

Zeavola Resort's commitment to the environment and sustainability has been the cornerstone of their operations and philosophy ever since they launched. For high res image please click here.

Located on the shores of Laem Ton beach, Zeavola is built around a sustainability ethos, with features such as a water reserve system which includes four deep wells and a reverse osmosis plant to minimise unnecessary water consumption at the resort - efforts which have earned the resort a membership in the international 'green' hotels group Green Pearls.

The resort was also recently awarded the PADI Green Star Award, for outstanding contribution to the environment through the resort's project Coral Freedom.

This is a project focussed on reversing the devastating effects of coral bleaching, a consequence of high carbon footprints and increasing global warming, and have so far seen over 10,000 coral fragments replanted around Phi Phi that were regenerated in Zeavola's coral nursery.

Zeavola is also part of the Green Fins project, which is coordinated by the United Nations Environmental Programme as part of a global effort to increase public awareness, and resort management practices that will benefit the conservation of coral reefs and reduce unsustainable tourism practices.

Zeavola is Koh Phi Phi's leading and most loved luxury diving eco-resort. Located at Laem Ton on Koh Phi Phi Don's stunning and pristine northern tip and less than an hour by luxury speedboat from Phuket, Zeavola offers guests a step back into simplicity, a journey of unforgettable discovery and deeply engaging luxury diving experiences. Zeavola's Dive Centre is a certified Green Fin Resort by the Phuket Marine Biological Center as well as a PADI Green Leaf dive centre and PADI Five Star Diving resort. Zeavola is strongly committed to live and work together with nature in a sustainable manner to protect the biodiversity of our island while always looking for new and unique ways to connect our guests to Phi Phi on a deep level while offering luxury as natural as it is authentic.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR TOP GEAR FESTIVAL SYDNEY

Top Gear Festival Sydney has announced that in an Australian first, all three Top Gear presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, will head to Sydney to host the biggest Festival yet at Sydney Motorsport Park in April next year.

Destination NSW partnered with the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) to secure the Top Gear Festival exclusively for Sydney for three years from 2013 to 2015, and next year’s event promises another stellar weekend of fast cars, smoking utes, monster trucks, daring tricks and lots of laughs.

Richard Hammond said of the news: “Jeremy and James have always told me what a brilliant laugh it is putting on the Top Gear Festival in Sydney. Normally I don’t trust a word they say, but I believe them on this one and, just to make sure, I’m coming along to the Festival for the first time.”

James May added, "We love coming to Sydney for the Top Gear Festival. And this year will be better than ever, because, for the first time, we're bringing Professor Richard Hammond and his enormous intellect. To balance that out, we'll have to stick a big Holden Ute in there somewhere, doing circle work and making smoke, driven by a proper Brocky. Have I got that right?"

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said: “Fans of the show will be delighted to hear that Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have all confirmed their attendance at the event on 18 and 19 April 2015. All motorsport enthusiasts should come along to Sydney Motorsport Park to enjoy the fantastic entertainment and to experience the thrill of Top Gear first hand.”

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek.

Tasmania's West Coast Wilderness Railway Rolls out New Itineraries

Tasmania's stunning West Coast Wilderness Railway is moving full steam ahead, launching two new itineraries in time for the holiday season for passengers keen to explore some of the state's historic hidden gems.

From December 15, 2014, visitors will be able to experience the Railway's rich history on the full day 'Queenstown Explorer'. Departing Mondays and Tuesdays from Strahan's original harbourside Regatta Point Station, the tour takes in the King River Gorge, the “rack” section of the railway track, magnificent rainforest and all stations along the way. The journey will return to Strahan around 6pm.

During the trip, guests will have the chance to explore the historic mining town of Queenstown, try their luck panning for gold and discover the remarkable development of the region with either a guided or self-guided tour. The Queenstown Explorer is available for $149 per adult and $65 per child or $335 for a family of up to two adults and two children in the Heritage Carriage.

Or experience this majestic journey on Wilderness Carriage for $195 per adult and $110 per child which includes seats in a balcony carriage, sparkling wine on arrival, morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea.

For visitors looking for a shorter journey, the new half day 'River and Rainforest' experience begins operation from December 17, 2014.

This afternoon journey available Wednesday to Friday, offers a relaxing ride from Strahan, taking in the fabulous harbour views as the train follows the foreshore and the river as it journeys deep into the rainforest. Guests can marvel at the engineering feats as the train crosses the many bridges, including the formidable Iron Bridge, one of the two major river crossings on the line.

Heritage Carriage tickets are available for $95 per adult and $40 per child or $220 for a family of up to two adults and two children. Or guests can enjoy the spoils of Wilderness Carriage for $135 per adult and $70 per child which includes seats in a balcony carriage, sparkling wine or juice on arrival and a delicious high tea served during the journey.

West Coast Wilderness Railway General Manager, Michael Saville, said the new experiences follow an extensive upgrade of the track.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer passengers the chance to experience the complete Railway experience which makes up an important historical part of Tasmania's West Coast.

“The longevity of the attraction has been made possible after an injection of around $12 million from both the former Federal Government and the Tasmanian State Government, where more than 12,000 sleepers, many kilometres of track and one of the 40 bridges have been replaced as well as major land slip remediation. We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors aboard this moving journey,” said Mr Saville.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway

The West Coast Wilderness Railway, Tasmania offers an historic journey through mountainous terrain and rainforest over 34.5 kilometres between Queenstown and Regatta Point, Strahan. With its rich mining and Irish workforce history dating back to the late 1800s, the track encompasses a remarkable engineering feat that is the steepest rail line in the Southern Hemisphere. The Railway was originally built by the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company which opened in the late 1800's. After a long closure between 1963 and 2002, it opened as a tourist attraction – The West Coast Wilderness Railway in 2002 and operated until it closed in 2013. Following a significant injection of funds, the Railway underwent a major upgrade, reopening half the track in January 2014 with the remainder of the track to open mid-December this year. From this time, three itineraries will operate throughout the week including a full day 'Queenstown Explorer' on Mondays and Tuesdays, the half day experiences, 'Rack and Gorge' from Wednesday to Sunday and the 'River and Rainforest' from Wednesday to Friday.

For information and reservations visit www.wcwr.com.au, emailenquiries@wcwr.com.au or call +61 (03) 6471 0100.

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Appointment of First Chinese Global Explorer at Grand Opening of the Azure Qiantang

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announces the appointment of renowned Chinese actor Wu Xiubo as the brand's first Chinese Global Explorer, coinciding with the Grand Opening of The Azure Qiantang, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hangzhou, located in the capital of China's Zhejiang province.

The Global Explorer program celebrates the vibrancy of the world's most enchanting destinations through the eyes of leading cultural voices. A seasoned world traveler who has enjoyed wide acclaim for his leading roles, Wu joins other well-known personalities such as designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia, supermodel-turned-photographer Helena Christensen, photographer Andrea Fazzari and mixologist Greg Seider in the brand's coveted Global Explorer role.

“We are very excited to have Wu Xiubo join our family as the brand's fifth Global Explorer, sharing his unique outlook on the world with travelers from China and beyond,” said Meredith Dichter, Director of Global Brand Management, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, “From taking photographs and journaling their thoughts, to creating destination-inspired cocktails and sharing their travel experiences in other unexpected ways, all Global Explorers engage in visual storytelling that showcases the unique elements of each destinations”.

As a Global Explorer for The Luxury Collection, Wu Xiubo recently traveled to Schloss Fuschl, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Fuschlsee-Salzburg in Austria, to shoot images for a photography book which will be launched at the end of this year. Wu has also shot a series of photographs at The Azure Qiantang and both sets of images will be exhibited at Luxury Collection hotels throughout China. Additionally, Wu Xiubo chronicled the adventures from his latest European journey, sharing a unique Chinese perspective on the brand's captivating destinations, including personal insights and travel tips.

“My work over the past three decades has taken me on many unforgettable trips around the world. These travel experiences and interactions have not only enriched my personal life, but also provoked different emotions, memories and moods which have inspired my work in a myriad of ways,” said Wu Xiubo. “Being a Global Explorer for The Luxury Collection will enable me to discover more hidden treasures and share these insights with Chinese travelers around the world”.

The Azure Qiantang: a Glittering Addition to The Luxury Collection's China Portfolio

Situated along the Qiantang River and named after “Memories of the South” - a masterpiece written by Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi - The Azure Qiantang is the perfect blend between Hangzhou's traditional foundation of simplicity and elegance, combined with a contemporary design aesthetic. The hotel is designed by world-renowned architect Mr. Pierre-Yves Rochon, and features a blue glass colored structure that showcases design elements that references the surging waves of the Qiantang River, merging harmoniously with the colors of the sky.

The Azure Qiantang boasts 205 elegant guest rooms and suites, with the majority of hotel rooms offering spectacular views of the Qiantang River. A swimming pool, spa and 24-hour fitness center allow for moments of deep relaxation or invigorating workouts. The hotel features two restaurants: the Lan Ting Chinese Restaurant features a menu inspired by local ingredients from Hangzhou's lake, river, stream, canal and the sea, while Panorama Restaurant & Bar offers a range of favorite local snacks in addition to international buffets. Guests can also choose to sip cocktails or indulge in a lavish local afternoon at the hotel's Riverview Terrace and Lobby Bar respectively.

Hangzhou, which is famed across China for being the “Paradise on Earth” and legendary for the world's biggest and most spectacular tidal bore, has a deep and long cultural heritage and rich and enchanting natural scenery. The destination is renowned for its beautiful West Lake, fine-quality silk, and delicate Longjing (or “Dragon's Well”) Tea. The Azure Qiantang offers the brand's signature Luxury Collection Concierge service to all guests, providing them with thoughtful recommendations to enhance their stay and discover and experience the region in an authentic and indigenous way.

With the Grand Opening of The Azure Qiantang, The Luxury Collection now has six hotels in China, including the legendary Astor Hotel in Tianjin, Twelve at Hengshan and The Hongta Hotel in Shanghai, The Royal Begonia in Sanya, as well the recently opened The Castle Hotel in Dalian.

The Luxury Collection's portfolio continues to grow globally in unique destinations ideal for travelers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences. With a glittering ensemble of more than 90 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 35 countries, The Luxury Collection prides itself as the curator of memorable destination experiences. Each hotel and resort is a true reflection of the locale, inspiring today's seasoned global travelers to discover the indigenous charms and treasures through world-class concierge services and signature brand programs such as Destination Discoveries and Epicurean Expeditions. For more information about The Luxury Collection, please visit www.luxurycollection.com

World's Longest Rollercoaster Zip Line, and Australia's First, Takes Off on the Central Coast

Australia has just received its first crazy rollercoaster zip line and at a staggering one kilometre long, it's triple the length of any existing tree-based ride in the world.

The new rollercoaster is a stunning WOW concept in adventure which gives people a ride of their life combining the suspense and thrill of a rollercoaster with the amazing flying sensations of a zip line.

Called the TreeTop Crazy Rider, it's the next generation in zip lining and a five minute fast and furious experience that breaks new ground in having outrageous and unexpected fun.

After takeoff, riders dart through the trees traversing 40 slaloms and three 360 degree exciting loops while suspended up to 18 metres (six storeys) above ground.

The Crazy Rider rollercoaster zip line is located at the TreeTop Adventure Park in Ourimbah State Forest on the NSW Central Coast and it's the first in the world using new high wire technology created by Australian innovators Sandrine Gaymard and Fred Galimard from TreeTops*.

It was developed following a $200,000 Australian Government tourism grant and represents two years of R&D and 5,000 hours of construction and trialling.

“Our customers tell us that flying foxes/zip lines are their favourites. We've worked hard to make them longer, scarier and to get people really excited,” Ms Gaymard said.

“Zip lines usually travel in a straight line but we thought it would be incredible to build some to go around the trees, up and down, and even with 360 degree loops to really ramp up the fun factor.

“The result is amazing. It's a twisty, curly, thrilling ride in the tree tops and we're proud to offer something truly unique and ground breaking to Australian eco-Tourism.”

As a world milestone in sustainable tree-based adventure, it's expected to stimulate new interest in the Central Coast from Sydney, interstate and international visitors.

Central Coast Tourism said it is excited that tourism innovation is occurring in the region.

“We're expecting a lot of buzz about this new product which should result in more visitors coming to the region to see and experience it,” Chief Executive Officer, Robyne Abernethy, said.

“The new Crazy Rider, combined with our other local attractions and activities, will provide visitors with plenty of reasons to stay longer in the area and I see our own residents bragging about this great new experience to their out of area family and friends.”

Crazy Rider Key facts:

• First rollercoaster zipline in Australia and at one km long is triple the distance of any other around the world.
• There are two TreeTop Crazy Riders at the TreeTop Adventure Park:
• The Xtreme. The one-kilometre long twisting, turning, diving, winding journey featuring about 40 slaloms including three that are complete 360degree turns and one 540m circle round a tree as well as plenty of exciting surprises.
• The Pioneer. A softer 350 metre long rollercoaster zip line featuring ten curves including one 360degree turn and an impressive drop.
• Both rides are fully accessible for people of all abilities including wheelchair users.
• The Crazy Rider features a specially developed safety system attached to 200 trees throughout the forest using 11km of cable. For the ride, participants are safely strapped into a swing harness attached to a patented pulley.
• Pricing for the Crazy Rider Xtreme: Adults (18 plus), $85 and Youth (7 – 17), $75. Pricing for the Crazy Rider Pioneer is Adults (18 plus), $45 and Youth (7 – 17), $35. Adult combo to do both rides is $109 (a 19% saving), and the Youth combo is $89 (a 24% saving).

For further Crazy Rider information: treetops.com.au

Malaysia Wins Bid to Host the 9th World Urban Forum 2018

Following a six – month bidding process, Malaysia emerged victorious to host the 9th World Urban Forum 2018 (WUF9) in April 2018 which will be organized by the United Nations Humans Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) together with the Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, Malaysia.

“The WUF9 adds to the roll call of prestigious international events hosted in Malaysia.
Malaysia was chosen as the host venue because of the concerted effort of the bidding team and also of Malaysia’s commitment towards sustainable urban development. Some 10,000 international delegates are expected to attend the WUF9,” said Zulkefli Hj Sharif, CEO, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

United Nations Under – Secretary – General and UN – Habitat Executive Director, Dr. Joan Clos congratulated Malaysia on hosting the Forum,“At the World Urban Forum, thousands of stakeholders meet every two years to share practices and knowledge on how cities are built, planned and managed”,he said.

Also known as the World’s Premier Conference on Cities, the WUF9 has been recognized as the leading international event to examine the most pressing issues facing the world today in the area of human settlements, including rapid urbanization and its impact on cities, communities, economies, climate changes and policies.

The main objective of the event is to advocate and raise awareness on sustainable urban development through open debates and exchange of experiences and best practices. WUF9 w ill also aim to enhance coordination and cooperation within and between different constituencies towards the advancement and implementation of the UN’s Habitat agenda.

Recent International Conferences

The WUF9 adds to the growing list of landmark events that MyCEB has played a role to assist local industry to bid for and win the rights to host international events.

Its impressive list includes previous events such as; the 7th International Aids Society Conferenc e on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention 2013 and the XXV International Federation of Surveyors Congress 2014,while upcoming highlights include Cityscape Malaysia 2015 and the World Federation of Hemophilia World Congress
2020.

Stay at Metro Apartments for the Santa Festiva

For one magical month, Darling Harbour will be a fabulous fun packed Santa Festival celebration for the whole family.

You will see giant inflatable Santas, dragon-boating Santas, jumping Santas, Santas on jet skis, Santas on yachts, Santas on stilts, Santas on buildings. . . Santas everywhere! There will be carols around the precinct, paddle boat rides on the bay, a colouring-in competition for the children and all the jolliness of the Variety Santa Fun Run in which hundreds of Santas participate. Santa Fest is big and beautiful and all part of making your Christmas celebrations in Sydney special. The celebration kicks off on November 29 with Santa Movies under the Stars followed by massive fireworks over Cockle Bay. There are masses of choices as to where to eat in Darling harbour with food from all over the world – whether it be for brunch, lunch, littlies feeding frenzy or dinner al fresco style.

The perfect accommodation for a family is Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour, within five minutes walk to where all the action will be happening in Darling Harbour. The loft style apartments are fully serviced with plenty of room to relax and enjoy all the creature comforts of home.. The bedroom and bathroom is located on the mezzanine level, flowing down to a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and balcony downstairs. Complimentary WiFi is available in all apartments. Prices start from $202 for a one bedroom loft style apartment with a minimum three night stay is required per booking.

At the same time around the city, Sydney will be 'lighting up' for Christmas. On 27th November, the centerpiece will be the Martin Place Christmas Tree where visitors will be able to jump on the interactive dance pad at the Christmas Tree, text a message to appear on its branches and play with the colours of the decorations. Santa and the Lord Mayor will arrive by sleigh to light the tree. Navigate the Sydney Christmas highlights by taking the family on a self-guided journey through the city. Take in tens of thousands of lights and projections as you make your way from Pitt Street Mall, through the city to Sydney Town Hall. Visit the website for more suggested routes on www.sydneychristmas.com.au.

Bookings can be made at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321 or visitwww.metrohotels.com.au to book online.

Metro Hotels is the public face of Transmetro Corporation, an Australian owned public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Group currently provides a national accommodation network of properties, with over 1000 rooms in key locations and major cities across Australia.

For more editorial information on Metro Hospitality Group, please contact Donna Wales, Metro Hotel Group on (02) 9288 0101.

Macau Ranked Among Top 10 Regions fo

MACAU has been listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 regions in the world to explore in 2015.

The giant guide book publisher ranked the former Portuguese enclave with such fascinating destinations as Italy's Milan, Malta's Valetta, Austria's Vienna, India's Chennai, Canada's Toronto, Argentina's El Chaten, and, of course, Turkey's Gallipoli which is to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landing in World War I.

“Macau has grown out of its rep as a Las Vegas knock-off and into a mélange of new world glamour and old world grit,” wrote Lonely Planet travel writer Megan Eaves.

“With six times more revenue from gaming than Las Vegas, Macau has seen a huge boom in recent years,” she wrote. “Nouveau riche mainland Chinese have begun to flock here to enjoy the buzz of China's gambling hub.

“But the casino culture belies Macau's true charms. Its Portuguese heritage has created a fusion cuisine that combines European, African, Indian and Chinese elements.

“And where else in the world can you make an incense offering at an ancient Chinese Buddhist temple in the morning, take the world's highest bungee jump in the afternoon, have a Michelin-starred meal in the evening topped off with a bottle of Portuguese vino, don your finest for a glitzy show and then pull up a plastic stool for some Chinese street food as a midnight snack?”

Ms Eaves continued by writing: “With a spiffy new light rail system connecting the peninsula and islands in the works, as well as major hotel brands like Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott arriving and a slew of new glam casinos under construction, 2015 promises to be a banner year for Macau. And the completion of the world's longest sea bridge between Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China means it'll be easier than ever to get here.”

In writing her review, Ms Eaves drew a list of “life-changing experiences” such as exploring the back streets of Macau's UNESCO World Heritage old town – “a mix of Portuguese and Chinese architecture found nowhere else on earth”.

“Sampling the delights of Macanese cuisine, which mixes elements of Portuguese, African and Chinese food – think prawn, chorizo and olive-laden 'Portuguese fried rice',” she wrote.

“Thrill-seekers shouldn't leave without a leap off the world's highest commercial bungee platform or a cool stroll around the 233-metre-high Skywalk at Macau Tower,” she summed up.

Details: Macau Government Tourist Office, phone (02) 9264 1488,www.macautourism.gov.mo.

Lonely Planet - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel/regions